10 Best Laser Measures for Architects

In this post, we will review the 10 best laser measures for Architects. If you are still using a tape measure to take measurements on site, it is time to ditch the past and come to the present! The first laser measure was introduced by Leica Geosystems in 1993. As all new technologies, they have gotten much better and cheaper over the years. Why should you buy a laser measure, you may ask? There are two main reasons (second of which may surprise you):

You will save a huge amount of time and you will be able to do all the work by yourself instead of having to ask a colleague (or your partner) to hold the other end of the tape.

You will get much more accurate measurements. Yes, you have read it right. A laser measure will provide more accuracy than a tape measure. According to thetapestore.co.uk, a normal tape measure has an accuracy of 3.3mm when it goes up to 15 meters. As you will see below, even the most basic of the laser measures selected here will be more accurate than that.

Before starting with the list, we would like to explain how we have selected the products.

Selection process

We have reviewed a total of 49 products that have been recommended online either in specialised websites or on Amazon. Out of this 49, we have selected the 23 that were more recommended, giving more weight to the ones that were recommended on Amazon due to the neutral nature of the site. Out of this 23, we have chosen the best-rated ones that were suitable for Architects. For example, the Bosch GLM 10, even though is one of the best-rated ones, is not included in the list as we believe its short range makes it not suitable for the majority of Architects.

The list

We have divided the list into three categories, so you can move into the category that suits you best. Categories as follows:

Laser measures for interiors in small buildings:

This category comprises laser measures that are suitable for small projects where you are going to measure only inside. The interior/exterior differentiation is key as the price jumps dramatically if you want a laser that is thought to be used outside.

Laser measures for interiors in buildings of all sizes:

This category comprises laser measures that are suitable for any size of projects where you are going to measure only inside. These are more expensive products and, as you will see in the reviews below, some of them can be used in exteriors. However, they are not thought for that so they might not work in certain circumstances such as bright sunlight.

Laser measures for interiors and exteriors in buildings of all sizes:

This category comprises laser measures that are suitable for any size of projects and any environment. They are the most sophisticated and, of course, most expensive products. However, they could be the right choice if your job requires a lot of outside measuring or a lot of surveys.

Without further delay, this is the full list of the best laser measure for Architects, which we explain in more detail below:

Designed to be used only in interiors, its low price makes it a safe choice to get started with. You will probably need to upgrade to a different product if you are going to use it very often. However, this is a great choice if you have never used a laser measure before. Not sure if you are going to make use of this amazing way to measure? Then get started with the Bosch GLM 20!

Good gadget if you

Don’t visit site very often

Haven’t used a laser measure before and you are not sure if it is the right tool for you.

Only work on small projects

Pros:

Low cost

Durable

Compact

Accurate laser

Cons:

The laser beam can be difficult to see in bright interiors. Nearly impossible to use in exteriors.

The Bosch GLM 35 is a fantastic choice for first-time users of laser measures.

It has several measurement modes, which include area, distance, length, volume, continuous measurement, addition and subtraction. They can be very useful when, for example, preparing a quick budget for a potential new client.

With an accuracy of 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) and a range of 120 ft (35 m), it's an excellent measuring tool for interiors in small projects.

With 4.7 out of 5 (1084 reviews) on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), Bosch DLR130K is one of our favourite choices for interiors. It is a good option if you are already familiar with laser measures and you are looking for one to use in small and medium size projects. With a range up to 130 feet (40 meters) and an accuracy of 1/16 inches (1.5 millimetres), it works really well to produce surveys for “as-built” information in up to medium size projects.

With audible and tactile (vibration) feedback when the measure is complete, it comes in handy when you are wearing audible protection at the construction site or you can’t simply see the screen.

With 4.6 out of 5 (310 reviews) on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), DEWALT DW03050 is a great choice if you only want to use it for interiors. It has a range up to 165 feet (50 metres). As far as accuracy is concerned, it varies depending on the distance you are measuring. According to the instruction manual, between 2 inches and 33 feet, the accuracy is ±1/16 inch. At 98 feet, the accuracy is ±3/16 inch. At 131 feet, the accuracy is ±5/16 inch. And to measure distances beyond 131 feet up to 164 feet, you’ll need to use a target plate.

It does a great job when you need to do surveys for “as-built” information in any kind of projects. It is very similar to the Bosch GLM50 and you cannot go wrong with either of them. Although it can be used also for exteriors (in certain conditions), it is in interiors where this model excels.

Good gadget if you

Are looking for a strong and reliable product

Only work on interiors

Pros:

Very accurate

Small

Compact

Much more resistant to water and dust ingress than all the other products in its price range.

The Leica Disto D2 is a perfect choice for Architects that go to site very often and are looking for ways to speed the process up.

The Bluetooth option allows the measurements to go directly to your phone or tablet, saving you a lot of time and a common source of mistakes once you have learned how to effectively use it.

It has several measurement modes, which include area, distance, length, volume, continuous measurement, single indirect, stake out, and minimum/maximum. They can be very useful when, for example, calculating the costs of a new project through the areas. The single indirect measurement mode will help you measure points that for, whatever reason, cannot be reached directly. One example would be certain heights where there is no ceiling or horizontal plane on top, such as a balustrade.

With an accuracy of 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) and a range of 330 ft (100 m), it’s an excellent measuring tool for interiors in any kind of project.

This is already a fairly complex gadget so you will need a certain learning curve to make the most out of it. However, if you take a lot of measurements, you will dramatically improve your productivity once you are over the learning process.

With 4.3 out of 5 (218 reviews) on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), Leica Disto D2 is a great choice if you only want to use it for interiors. A great brand renowned for their optic products, their devices are one of the safest choices in this category. The Bluetooth and free app convenience are two of the most repeated praises for this model. With a range up to 330 feet (100 metres) and an accuracy of 1/16 inches (1.5 millimetres), it works really well to produce surveys for “as-built” information in any kind of projects. A bigger range and the Bluetooth sets this model apart from the Bosch GLM50 and the DEWALT DW03050.

You will probably need to purchase the glasses if you intend to use it for outdoors, although if you are going to take a lot of measurements outdoors, we would recommend looking for something different as this one is thought for interiors only.

Good gadget if you

Are planning to use the Bluetooth to send the measures to other devices

Only work on interiors

Pros:

Bluetooth so measures can be sent to your phone or tablet.

Small

Compact

Cons:

Be sure to register the product with Leica within the first 8 weeks of buying it if you want to get the 3-year warranty.

Precision Laser Measuring Technology - Measures up to 165-ft (50 m) and accurate to within 1/16-in (1.5 mm)
Five Measurement Modes - Length, area, volume, continuous measurement and indirect length measurements for versatile applications
Three Measuring Reference Points - From front or back of the unit, or center for use with optional tripod

With 4.6 out of 5 (85 reviews) on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), Leica Disto E7400x is a great choice for interiors. As mentioned before, Leica is a great brand renowned for their optic products. Therefore, their devices are one of the safest choices in this category. With a range up to 395 feet (120 metres) and an accuracy of 1/16 inches (1.5 millimetres), it works really well to produce surveys for “as-built” information in any kind of projects.

Although it can be used for outdoors, you might struggle in bright sunlight conditions and you might be better of purchasing a laser with point finder displays. Some comments and answers assured that this can be used outdoors but closer to sunset or sunrise times. You will be able to use it better if you purchase laser glasses.

Good gadget if you

Think that you might need to use it for outdoors but do not want to spend the extra money that the specialised products cost

With 4.0 out of 5 (77 reviews) on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), Bosch GLR 825 is one of our favourite choices if you are going to be using it in exteriors. We are jumping a big step here so be very mindful as to whether you really need something as complete as this item. With a range up to 825 feet (250 meters) and an accuracy 1/25 inches (1.0mm), it is a great choice if you are going to use it a lot for both interiors and exteriors.

Good gadget if you

Work on big projects

Take a lot of measurements both inside and outside

Have used other laser measures before and are looking at upgrading to a better product

This unit contains a Class II Laser with 1mW output
650ft Range Indoors and Outdoors at up to 1mm (1/16") Accuracy, For long distances and very bright sunlight we recommend to use the special integrated Long Range (LR) Mode
IP65 Rated- water jet protection and dust tight, ISO 16331-1 Certified

As with the BOSCH GLR 825, this is a highly specialised item with a lot of different functions so it will not be appropriate for most Architects. However, it can be a great choice if you need some of the capabilities that it offers.

Good gadget if you

Work on big projects

Take a lot of measurements both inside and outside

Have used other laser measures before and are looking at upgrading to a better product

Use the Bluetooth to transfer all the measures to your devices

Pros:

Bluetooth

Outdoor Pointfinder Camera

Extremely accurate

Extremely durable

Cons:

Some people had issues with the Bluetooth and with measuring outdoors at long distances, but it is not a common complaint.

This model will probably be too specialised for most Architects, but some that do a lot of measuring work and are a lot on site will find it useful. Although the average reviews on Amazon are a bit below what we would usually recommend, the brand behind this product and the small number of reviews (where one review impacts dramatically on the average rating) are enough for us to recommend this product.

We believe it is a great choice for both interiors and exteriors, but always bearing in mind that it is highly specialised and will probably be too specialised (and expensive) for most Architects.

Good gadget if you

Work on big projects

Take a lot of measurements both inside and outside

Have used other laser measures before and are looking at upgrading to a better product

Use the Bluetooth to transfer all the measures to your devices

Pros:

Bluetooth

Point Finder Camera with 4X Zoom & Onscreen Targeting Cross Hair Capable of Measuring up to 650ft Indoors or Outdoors.

Extremely accurate

Cons:

Very specialised product. Make sure you need all the features before purchasing this device.

Leica DISTO D810

Specification

Range

650 feet (200 meters)

Accuracy

1/16 inches (1.0 millimetre)

Memory

30 measurements

Protection Rating

IP54

Measurement modes

Length

✓

Area

✓

Volume

✓

Continuous

✓

Minimum/Maximum

✓

Single indirect

✓

Stake Out

✓

Trapezoid

✓

Summary of Specifications

If you have gotten this far in one go, you will probably find difficult to remember which laser has which feature. For this reason, we have created a table summarising all the information. We hope you find it useful!

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About us

Architect Gadgets is born to help Architects fully embrace technology to maximise the quality of your designs and buildings while reducing costs. We are here to simplify your hardware choices and to improve your productivity.